In the tug-of-war over the fate of Ukraine, Russian media have been instrumental in painting a portrait of the conflict that suits the Kremlin's purposes. Western media, Russia contends, are doing exactly the same

President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly assured the world that his Russia is safe from terror attacks, even in the restless Caucasus. But it didn't take this week's twin bombings in Volgograd for ordinary Russians to know their daily commute is always a bit risky.